Fawad Alam scored his fifth century in Tests as he put Pakistan on top in the rain-affected second Test against West Indies in Sabina Park in Jamaica.
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Zimbabwe, South Africa, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, and now West Indies. Fawad Alam has made up for his lost time out of the Pakistan team in grand style since his comeback. The left-hander has not had an easy time in the second Test against West Indies in Jamaica. Fawad Alam battled cramps and retired hurt on day 1. But, in a crucial situation, Fawad Alam stepped up and scored his fifth century and first in the Caribbean as he helped Pakistan reach 302/9 declared on day 3. Fawad Alam’s grit was rewarded by Shaheen Afridi who ripped out the openers in a hostile spell to reduce West Indies to 39/3 at stumps.
After the second day was abandoned due to rain, the third day began amidst bright sunshine but with plenty of controversy. The day’s play started late due to wet patches on the outfield and some had not dried out. One particular area was the bowler’s run-up. The area was still damp and the bowlers had to bowl at a particular angle to avoid the area. West Indies skipper Kraigg Brathwaite was not happy and had a consultation with the umpires. Play was suspended for a couple of hours again. After taking the lunch break, play could finally resume without any problems.
After the lunch break, Pakistan’s batsmen made slow progress with the West Indies bowlers bowling with tremendous discipline. The second new ball was immediately taken and Jayden Seales got the breakthrough. Seales trapped Faheem Ashraf LBW for 26, with the review also not going his way. Fawad Alam, who had played beautifully on the first day and had reached 76, was in prime form as he flicked Kemar Roach to the deep midwicket fence to start day 3 on a high.
Both Rizwan and Fawad Alam were steadying the ship but disaster struck after the first drinks break for Pakistan. Jason Holder sent back both Rizwan and Nauman Ali in quick succession. But, Fawad Alam ensured that he would guide Pakistan to relative safety with a couple of fours to enter the 90s. Fawad neared his ton with two boundaries in one over bowled by Holder. After spending a couple of overs on 99, Fawad notched up his ton by pulling a short ball from Kyle Mayers to the deep square leg fence for a couple.
It represented a brilliant comeback for Fawad, who had averaged 56 in First-Class cricket for a long time but could not get any chances for Pakistan.
Fawad and Hasan Ali looked to stitch a solid partnership but once again, Pakistan was jolted. In taking the second run, Fawad sold Hasan Ali down the river by sending him back late. Nkrumah Bonner threw to keeper Joshua Da Silva who whipped the bails off. Hasan was furious and as he walked off, he slammed the bat on the ad hoardings near the boundary.
Shaheen Afridi frustrated West Indies with a couple of attractive boundaries while Fawad just hung in. Jayden Seales got his third wicket by dismissing Shaheen for 19 but Pakistan already crossed 300. The innings were declared at 302/9, giving Pakistan a little bit of time to go after the Windies batsmen.
West Indies started off cautiously but Shaheen was at his best. He trapped Kieran Powell LBW for 5 and blasted out Kraigg Brathwaite’s stumps for 4 to reduce Windies to 9/2. Nkrumah Bonner and Roston Chase tried to attack and jolt Pakistan. Chase hit a four and a six off Shaheen and Bonner got off the mark by edging Mohammad Abbas for a four to the third man region.
The partnership looked to have revived West Indies but Faheem Ashraf got a delivery to nip back in and breach the defences of Chase for 10. Alzarri Joseph came as the night watchman and he hung in for a couple of overs. However, bad light stopped play and West Indies were 39/3, still 263 runs behind.
